Refrigerated shipping containers (reefers): a buyer's guide
A refrigerated container — a "reefer" — is a shipping container with a built-in cooling unit that turns any site into cold or frozen storage. Here's what to know before you buy or rent one.
How reefers work
A reefer has an integrated refrigeration unit and insulated walls that hold precise temperatures, typically anywhere from deep-freeze to just above freezing. It plugs into power and maintains its setpoint automatically, giving you walk-in cold storage without construction.
Common uses
Restaurants and grocers use them for overflow cold storage, farms for produce and floral, events for beverage and catering, and contractors and pharma for temperature-sensitive materials. Because they're portable, they scale up or down as your needs change.
Power & buy vs rent
Reefers need a suitable power supply — usually a dedicated high-voltage circuit or a generator. If you need cold storage short-term or seasonally, renting is the low-capital option; if it's a permanent fixture, buying pays off. We offer both.
Related
Frequently asked questions
- What temperature range does a reefer hold?
- Most refrigerated containers hold anywhere from deep-freeze temperatures up to just above freezing, set precisely and maintained automatically.
- What power does a refrigerated container need?
- Typically a dedicated high-voltage circuit or a generator. Tell us your site's power and we'll confirm compatibility.
- Can I rent a refrigerated container?
- Yes — reefers are available month-to-month, which is ideal for seasonal or short-term cold storage without the capital outlay.